When you think about wedding planning or even just attending a wedding, you probably picture a big white frosted cake, stacked high with flowers or designed like something you screenshotted on Pinterest in 2015. But have you ever stopped to wonder why do we even have a wedding cakes? Where did that tradition come from? And who’s still saving the top- tier for their baby’s christening?
Let’s look at what’s trending in 2025 and get real honest: do we even need a cake?
Let’s slice into it (sorry, had to).
Why Do We Have Wedding Cakes Anyway?
Wedding cakes have been a thing for a very long time. Back to Ancient Rome, instead of cutting a cake, they’d break a loaf of barley bread over the bride’s head for luck. Romantic, right? Nothing says true love like a carb-based concussion.
Then in Medieval times, people would stack pastries into a tower, very me, and if the couple could kiss over it without knocking it down, it was said to bring good fortune! A high-stakes pastry Jenga, you could say!
Fast forward to royalty and the upper classes, who went all in on tiered, sugar-loaded, flamboyant cakes displaying a sign of wealth and fortune. And now? We still love a good tradition, and cake is definitely one of them! Whether it’s fancy, low key or gluten-free, you’re pretty much guaranteed cake at a wedding.
Why Cakes Are Still a Big Deal?
There’s just something about a wedding cake that just makes it feel official. Even if you’re not big on sweets, the act of cutting the cake together is kind of iconic. It’s a part of the day, and it’s symbolic of your first “task” as a married couple, and let’s be honest, it’s the tastiest one. .
Historically, cakes were linked to fertility and prosperity. The white icing was once a status symbol because refined sugar was expensive. Today it’s more about celebration, tradition, and that one part of the night where everyone gathers around, phones out, waiting for you to stab a cake with a giant knife. Beautiful.
Wedding Cake Trends We’re Loving In 2025
This year is full of beautiful cake inspiration, and we are loving what we are seeing.
Pressed flowers and botanical designs are still in, made with edible petals pressed into buttercream to create a soft, romantic garden vibe..
Big (and we mean big), bold single tier cakes, topped with fresh fruit, are making a serious statement, and they look especially dramatic when cut with a sword..
Mini, one per guest cakes these are really cute and so easy to serve, especially if using your cake as dessert (more on that in a bit).
Flavour-wise, we’re seeing lots of couples branching out. Pistachio and rose, chai spice, lemon and lavender are all having a moment. Of course, red velvet and chocolate are still firm favourites, but it’s great to see people getting more adventurous.
Sustainability is also key. Couples are opting for local ingredients, minimal waste, and choosing to work with bakeries that take an eco-friendly approach.
And best of all, we’re seeing a rise in inclusive baking. That means cakes without eggs, butter or gluten, that still taste amazing and look absolutely stunning. Guests with dietary requirements don’t have to miss out, and nothing has to be hidden away “out the back” anymore.
But What If You Don’t Want a Big Cake?
Honestly, you’re not alone. More and more couples are skipping the traditional tiered cake and choosing something that feels more personal to them.
Doughnuts are having a serious moment. Whether displayed on a wall or stacked in towers, they’re fun, tasty, and super easy to serve.
Cupcakes continue to be a classic choice. They’re cute, completely customisable with flavours and decorations, and can be styled to look just as striking as a traditional cake.
Macarons are another favourite. A pyramid of perfectly coloured macarons is both beautiful and delicious—and they photograph like a dream.
One option we can’t get enough of is the dessert grazing table. Think macarons, mini cakes, cake pops, chocolate covered pretzels and all the sweet treats you can imagine. It’s a real showstopper and gives your guests plenty of variety.
Not a fan of sweets at all? That’s fine too. Enter the pork pie tower. It’s hearty, savoury, and especially brilliant for the evening food. Add some chutneys and cheese on the side and you’ve got a winning combo.
Whatever you go for, the idea is the same: something sweet (or savoury!) that reflects your vibe.
Making the Cake the Main Dessert
A really smart trend we’re seeing is using the wedding cake as the main dessert. It makes so much sense, both logistically and financially.
By serving the cake as dessert, you can cut it at the start of the meal while all your guests are seated and paying attention. It also means you can skip the cost of a separate dessert course altogether.
Guests are much more likely to eat the cake when it’s served as part of the meal, and you can elevate it with beautiful plating. Add some berries, a drizzle of coulis or a fancy sweet sauce, and you’ve got something that feels special.
Plus, it puts the cake in the spotlight it deserves, not just wheeled out during the awkward post-speech lull.
Or… Maybe No Cake At All?
Here’s the truth. You absolutely do not need to have a cake. If it doesn’t feel like your thing, skip it. No big deal
Choosing to eliminate the cake gives you room in the budget for other things, maybe a few extra cocktails, live music, or something fabulous for the honeymoon. It also removes the pressure of making yet another decision in the planning process.
And if you still want to offer guests a treat, just do it your way. A surprise round of espresso martinis during dancing? A late-night s’mores bar? All brilliant options.
Final Thoughts (or the Last Bite)
Wedding cakes have come a long way since Roman bread-smashing and medieval pastry towers. Whether you go classic tiered, totally alternative, or skip it altogether, your wedding day should reflect you.
Sweet, simple, full of flavour. Just like love, really. So, go ahead. Eat cake, or cheese, or doughnuts. Or nothing at all. And enjoy every second of it.
Still deciding what’s right for you? Book a consultation with us to see how a wedding planner can help take the stress out of your big day. You can also read more on our ultimate guide to wedding planning blog for some extra tips!
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